Fans of Michael J. Fox express their feelings about him receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Fans of Michael J. Fox from around the globe united to react with heartwarming gestures when Joe Biden presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

After a video of the touching moment spread widely on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter), users expressed their delight that the 63-year-old beloved TV icon was honored for his efforts in promoting research and awareness for Parkinson’s disease.

‘This is truly incredible. Congratulations to Michael J. Fox,’ posted one person, sharing a video of the moving ceremony where he was bestowed with the highest civilian award in the United States.

A second gushed: ‘We really don’t deserve Michael J. Fox. What a wonderful human.’ 

‘Bless this man and his entire family,’ a third raved as other marveled at how he has spent decades changing the world and making it a better place. 

A third wrote: ‘He certainly deserves it. I admire him so much. Parkinson’s is not easy. But he keeps pushing.’ 

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is presented to individuals who make ‘exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States’ and beyond, according to the White House.

Among the list of recipients that also received the honor on Saturday are Hillary Clinton, the late former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, fashionista and Vogue head Anna Wintour, designer Ralph Lauren, and scientist Jane Goodall, among others.

‘President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,’ a press release read.

‘These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.’

Michael J. Fox is best known for his role in Back to the Future, and throughout his career, he won five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy.

The actor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29 and became a leading voice for research on the incurable condition.

He started the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which is based in New York.

‘He is a world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development,’ the White House said.

Fox first revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1998 and, two years later, established The Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000. 

Since then, the foundation—founded alongside his wife of 36 years, Tracy —has raised over $2 billion for Parkinson’s research.

In 2023, the foundation celebrated a major breakthrough: research funded by the organization identified a biomarker that can detect Parkinson’s before symptoms appear, a milestone Fox was deeply proud of.

‘It was one of the few times I cried about what we were doing. We wanted to find a way to diagnose the disease before the symptoms are there,’ he shared with People.

‘Because then we could treat it, and you’d never have it. It was a big break—and a great moment,’ he admitted.

Bono was also among the showbiz luminaries awarded a medal that evening, after an introduction hailing him for changing ‘the world through his art and activism.’

When the introductory remarks mentioned Bono’s ‘Irish tradition of poetry and protest,’ President Biden – who himself has Irish roots – pumped his fist with pride, earning a laugh from the room. 

Magic Johnson, who is 6’9″, also got a laugh by bending his knees so that his shoulders would be low enough for Biden to drape the medal’s ribbon over them.

Denzel Washington was also feted that evening, following an introduction that called him ‘a defining character of the American story.’